Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival announces changes

Phillip Truckenbrod recently retired from the agency Phillip Truckenbrod Concert Artists, which he founded 50 years ago this year. He is vice president of the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Hartford.

Turning nineteen is a pretty awesome event—exploding horizons, new responsibilities, new friends, leaving home for an exciting new place to live, long-held goals coming within range, and dreaming ever bigger for the future.

The nineteen-year-old I want to talk about here left a home of eighteen years in the suburbs to take up residence in the city, and there found new friends, new status, and big new horizons.

But this teenager already has a job, and that job is helping flesh and blood teen-aged and twenty-something organists advance their careers, test their skills against peers, and collect cash prizes. Our teenager’s name is the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Hartford (ASOFH), which offers two competitions, for high school musicians and for “Young Professional” organists, every year with three finalists in each division all winning prizes. The competition is set in a context of two public concerts and other public events.

The nineteenth season in 2016 took place for the first time in Hartford and West Hartford, September 30 to October 2. The competition was held at Trinity College Chapel and other events at the Cathedral of St. Joseph (Catholic), both in Hartford, and at two Episcopal churches in West Hartford.

“What was so wonderful about ASOFH was that it truly was a ‘festival’ rather than ‘get in, play, get out,’ like some other competitions I’ve participated in,” said Joseph (Joey) Fala, a Young Professional finalist in 2016, a member of The Diapason’s 20 under 30 Class of 2016, and now a graduate student at Yale University by way of Honolulu.

“While centered around the contest, the weekend was about more,” he continued, “like celebrating music, the pipe organ, and the legacy of a great humanitarian. I so very much appreciated this emphasis and the effect it had on filling the weekend with an atmosphere of inspiration rather than creating an environment of competition. That was one of my biggest takeaways.”

Here are some of the advances made between season 18 and season 19, all thanks to the hard work of the ASOFH volunteer board of directors.

• A newly added program produced in cooperation with the Albert Schweitzer Institute at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut made its debut, and each year will explore various aspects of the life and work of Schweitzer.

• All prizes were increased and a new one added—a Prize of the Audience.

• The competition took up residence at Trinity College as mentioned above, along with new homes for other events.

• For the first time ASOFH had a professionally designed and printed full color program booklet comprehensive of competition, concerts, symposium, and biographies of participants and competitors.

• Attendance at the two competition sessions gathered record large audiences.

• A recital by the previous year’s two winners was incorporated into the festival itself and brought a healthy audience turn out.

•Donors to the festival expanded from individuals to include several local foundations, including that of the Greater Hartford American Guild of Organists chapter.

“My hope is to evolve the festival into a destination event,” says ASOFH president Robert Bausmith, “centered around a world-class competition.”

Destination event? Well, let’s look at 2016. The two-plus day 19th season was attended by organ enthusiasts from at least ten states, just working from memory, plus others from Canada and Europe.

World-class competition? The first winner back in season number one was Paul Jacobs, a rather convincing start. Subsequent winners have included Nathan Laube, Christian Lane, Monica Czausz, Simon Thomas Jacobs, Christopher Houlihan, and Jonathan Ryan.   Ring any bells?

The prize money may have room to grow, but it has steadily increased with every session for years. As an every-year double competition, the ASOFH prize money awarded in a three-year span actually compares favorably with many “bigger prize” triennial competitions—ASOFH just spreads it out and includes more winners.

Bausmith was enthusiastic in assessing growth achieved by the nineteenth season, saying “Support from the Hartford community was overwhelming.”

Competitor Fala agreed. “It was a full-blown extravaganza,” he said. “I really felt a part of something that was ‘a big deal’.”

His fellow Young Professional competitor Collin Boothby, a Texas Christian University graduate student, agreed. “The experience as a whole was a wonderful weekend of making friendships and sharing music together in a beautiful setting.”

Judges for the 2016 session were Isabelle Demers, Faythe Freese, and Christopher Houlihan, who won the ASOFH High School division top prize in 2003. They all agreed that the caliber of the 2016 competitors was very encouraging.

“The contestants were of a very high level—I wish I had been able to play that well when I was a high-schooler,” commented Isabelle Demers.

Faythe Freese summed it up this way, “We heard some remarkable performances from high school and college students alike. If these exciting performances were any indication of the vitality and health of our discipline, then the next decades are in great shape for the world of the pipe organ.”

Here are the 2016 winners:

• Colin MacKnight, New York City, Young Professional Division, First Place and Prize of the Audience

• Collin Boothby, Texas, Young Professional Division, Second Place and Hymn Playing award

• Joey Fala, Connecticut, Young Professional Division Third Place and Hymn Playing award

• Katherine Johnson, North Carolina, High School Division, First Place

• Elena Baquerizo, Florida, High School Division, Second Place

• Martin Jones, New Jersey, High School Division, Third Place and Prize of the Audience and Hymn Playing award

The festival was founded by David Spicer and the then head of the Albert Schweitzer Institute at Quinnipiac, Harold Robles. The first season was held in 1998 at the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut, and continued there through 2015. Spicer continues as artistic director of ASOFH.

“I can’t say enough good about the weekend,” said Joey Fala. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see event attendance grow in the coming years because of the various changes made.”

To learn more and to keep up with the ASOFH, be sure to visit www.
albertschweitzerorganfestival.org.

David Spicer began as Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut in 1986. In 1996 he and Harold Robles founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA. Spicer is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Alexander McCurdy, and of the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

On Tuesday, September 5, 2006, six young organists began arriving in Wethersfield, Connecticut, to participate in the Ninth Annual Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA. This year the caliber of playing was especially high. All who heard were greatly encouraged about the future of organ playing in our country.

We are grateful to the following churches for allowing these six finalists to practice on their organs: Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, Bruce Henley, organist-choirmaster; St. John’s Episcopal Church, West Hartford, Ralph Valentine, organist-choirmaster; Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Hartford, Charles Miller, organist and associate minister of Music; Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal) Hartford, Canon James Barry, organist and choirmaster; Bethany Covenant Church, Berlin, Olga Ljungholm, minister of Music; and First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, Angela Salcedo, organist-choirmaster.
Friday morning, the finalists were treated to a tour of the Austin organ factory in Hartford. Finalists were able to experience this institution, now in its 114th year, and were able to see pipe metal being cast as well as the many unique machines used in the process of making a pipe organ.

Friday evening, September 9, a concert was held in the historic Meetinghouse of the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield. The prelude was Andante Espressivo (from Sonata in G Major, op. 28) by Elgar. The Festival Choir sang Psalm 150 by Franck. All in attendance sang “Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation” (tune Christ Church by Richard Dirksen). The choir then sang Kyrie (from Messe Solennelle, op. 16) by Vierne. David Spicer served as organist-choirmaster for this portion of the concert.

Music from West Africa was presented by St. Mary’s Ghanaian Catholic Ministry Choir from East Hartford. The choir, dressed in ceremonial garb, was directed by Rev. Fr. Savino-Gyimah and Joachim Pennin. Music sung in the Ghanaian tongue was a reminder of Albert Schweitzer’s great missionary work in Africa. Next, the three judges for the competition played on the Austin IV/62. Marilyn Mason played March on a Theme of Handel by Guilmant and Amazing Grace (from Gospel Preludes, Book IV) by William Bolcom, which was commissioned by and dedicated to Dr. Mason. Following this, Frederick Hohman played two excerpts by Widor: Meditation (Symphony No. 1 in C minor, op. 3), and Intermezzo (Symphony No. 6 in G, op. 42). Thomas Heywood ended the judges’ recital portion with his own composition: Humoresque for Pedal Trombone.

Anthems He Comes to Us by Jane Marshall (with text by Albert Schweitzer) and Go Ye Into All the World by Robert Wetzler were sung by the Festival Choir. These anthems reinforced the idea of the missionary work that was so much a part of Dr. Schweitzer’s life. The concluding hymn was “Let Heaven Rejoice” (tune: Rock Harbor by Alan MacMillan, and text by Hal M. Helms), which has become a tradition at these opening concerts.

Saturday morning, September 9, the High School Division competition was held 9–noon. The Young Professional Division finalists competed 1–4 pm.

High School finalists were Caroline Judith Robinson from Greenville, South Carolina (third prize), who studies with Adam Pajan; Malcolm Ross Matthews from Knoxville, Tennessee (second prize), who studies with Professor John Brock; and Samuel Kohei Gaskin from Beaumont, Texas (first prize), who studies with Marjorie Rasche and Christina Harmon. Gaskin also was the judges’ choice for the most creative hymn playing in this festival.

The Young Professional Division finalists were Ahreum Han, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (third prize), a student of Alan Morrison at the Curtis Institute of Music; Mark Edwards from Ontario, Canada (second prize), a student of David Higgs at the Eastman School of Music; and Brenda Portman, from Flint, Michigan (first prize), a graduate of Wheaton College and Northwestern University.

Sunday morning, September 10, all finalists played portions of the 8, 9:15 and 11 am worship services. At 3 pm awards were presented and first-place winners Samuel Kohei Gaskin and Brenda Portman were heard in recital.

Frederick Hohman remarked that “It has been a privilege to have served as permanent juror at ASOF/USA for the first nine years. All recent contestants chosen for the finals have shown remarkable levels of technical achievement. The technical ability and secure memory shown by High School and Young Professional contestants is at a higher level than I can recall in any previous generation. ASOF/USA recognizes and encourages this devotion and achievement in organ-playing with cash prizes; however, equally valuable is the exposure that the festival provides young organists with regard to inspired leadership in hymn-playing, and the detailed, honest, and at times tough and frank feedback of the jurors.”

The total combined repertoire represented by these six finalists included Bach: Trio Sonatas No. 3, BWV 527, No. 5, BWV 529, and No. 6, BWV 530; Concerto in d minor, BWV 596 (Vivaldi); Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 545; from Dupré’s Opus 7: Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in B Major and Prelude and Fugue No. 3 in g minor; Widor: Adagio from Symphony No. 2; Adagio from Symphony No. 5, Cantabile from Symphony No. 6, Andante Sostenuto from Symphonie Gothique; Franck: Choral No. 1 in E Major, Choral No. 2 in b minor, and Choral No. 3 in a minor; Hindemith: Sonata II (first movement); Persichetti: Sonata for Organ (Vivace, movement III); Demessieux: Te Deum; hymn tunes: Coronation, Diademata, Eventide, and St. Thomas.

We are grateful to Ahlborn-Galanti Organs for the $2000 award for first prize in the High School Division. The Young Professional Division first prize of $3500 was shared by the Helen L. Reinfrank fund, which provided $2000, and J.H. and C.S. Odell Organ Builders, which provided $1500. Bank of America, Hartford, provided $1500 for the second prize Young Professional Division. Austin Organs, Inc. provided a tour of their facilities and a gift for the judges’ awards. The Helen L. Reinfrank Music Fund provided $500 for the most creative hymn playing. In addition, several local residents gave gifts to this festival, which are most appreciated.

Special thanks go to Gordon Auchincloss, who was on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer assistance should the organ need it, and to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who graciously gave the gift of tuning for this festival. Austin Organ Service Company is the regular curator of this instrument, serviced by Alex Belair and Michael Tanguay.

Our thanks to Nancy Andersen, festival manager; Karen Franzen, administrative assistant; Betty Standish and Laurie Allen, ASOF/USA Chair, for so ably performing the organizational work that made the festival run smoothly and efficiently. A special note of thanks to Dana Spicer and Mainly Tea of Wethersfield, which provided a reception for the three judges on Friday evening, and a wonderful dinner for finalists and judges on Saturday evening.

At this moment, the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival committee is preparing for our tenth ASOF/USA, to be held in Wethersfield, Connecticut, September 7–9, 2007. Organists Paul Jacobs and Diane Meredith Belcher will join Frederick Hohman as this year’s guest artists/judges. Plans are underway to feature these organists in the opening concert of the festival on Friday evening, September 7 at 7:30 pm. The committee is hoping to invite six qualified young organists to compete in the two divisions on Saturday, September 8.

Samuel Kohei Gaskin and Brenda Portman will perform in recital on Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 7:00 pm.


Information about the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA and current requirements for the competition are available by telephone: 860/529-1575 ext. 209; e-mail: or by viewing the ASOF/USA website: , click “Ministries,” then click “Music” and go to the ASOF/USA link.

David Spicer began as Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1986. In 1996 he and Harold Robles founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival. Spicer is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Alexander McCurdy, and is a graduate of the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

It hardly seems possible that twelve years have gone by since we began the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival! We have experienced outstanding applicants, who reflected wonderful, superb teaching, outstanding adjudicators, and a remarkable and consistently high level of music making.
Beautiful New England weather gave an idyllic setting for the festival. On Friday evening, September 10, our traditional opening concert was held. The service/choral portions were played by the writer:

Prelude: Benedictus, op. 59, no. 9, Max Reger (played also at the first annual festival)
Psalm 150, César Franck
Hymn: Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (tune: Christ Church), Richard W. Dirksen
Kyrie (from Messe Solennelle, op. 16), Louis Vierne
He Comes to Us (text by Albert Schweitzer), Jane Marshall
Go Ye into All the World, Robert Wetzler
Hymn: Let Heaven Rejoice (tune: Rock Harbor) (text by Hal M. Helms), Alan MacMillan

The three judges were each invited to play a selection of their own choosing. The artists’ playing from the balcony was projected onto a screen downstairs in the historic Meetinghouse. Frederick Hohman played his arrangement of Arioso (Suite No. 3 in D) by J. S. Bach. Wilma Jensen played Méditation à Ste. Clothilde by Philip James. John Weaver then played Chorale Prelude on Ellers followed by Fantasy on Sine Nomine, both his own compositions.
Saturday morning, from 9 to noon, the three high school division finalists played the required repertoire. At 2 pm the young professional division finalists were heard. The combined repertoire of these six finalists included hymn tunes: St. Thomas (Williams), Coronation, Ein’ Feste Burg, Diademata, Slane, and Veni Creator; Bach: Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor, BWV 542, Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, BWV 543, Prelude and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 539, Trio Sonata No. 1 in E-flat Major, BWV 525, and Trio Sonata No. 5 in C Major, BWV 529; Widor: Cantabile (from Symphony No. 6 in G Minor), Andante Cantabile (from Symphony No. 4 in F), and Andante Sostenuto (from Symphonie Gothique); Franck: Choral No. 2 in B Minor and Choral No. 3 in A Minor; Eben: Moto Ostinato (from Sunday Music); Jongen: Sonata Eroïca, op. 94; Jehan Alain: Aria; Duruflé: Scherzo, op. 2; Messiaen: Dieu parmi nous (Nativité du Seigneur, IX).
Immediately afterwards, all finalists and judges had a chance for interaction and discussion over a delicious meal provided by Dana Spicer at Mainly Tea, directly across the street from the Meetinghouse.
On Sunday, September 12, all finalists played portions of the 8, 9:15, and 11 am worship services. At 1:30 pm, a masterclass with the three judges was held. Many important topics were covered, and awards were presented.

The judges’ decisions
High School Division: first place, Bryan Anderson from Stockbridge, Georgia, a student of Sarah L. Martin; second place, Deniz Uz from Longwood, Florida, a student of Terry Yount and currently with Thomas Bara at the Interlochen Arts Academy; third place, Clarence Chaisson from South Lancaster, Massachusetts, a student of Christa Rakich.
Young Professional Division: first place, Adam Pajan from New Haven, Connecticut, formerly a student of Charles Boyd Tompkins at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina and currently with Martin Jean at Yale University; second place, Clayton Roberts from Houston, Texas, a student of Robert Bates at the University of Houston; third place: Jonathan Hehn from South Bend, Indiana, a student of Craig Cramer at the University of Notre Dame.
We are very grateful to Charles Callahan for serving as the screening judge for initial recorded examples of these organists and other applicants.
We are also grateful to Leigh and Betty Standish for the $2000 award for first prize in the high school division. The young professional division first prize of $3500 was given by Robert Bausmith and Jill Peters-Gee, M.D. Thanks go to John Gorton and Richard Pilch for providing $750 for the David Spicer Hymn Playing Award, which was awarded to high school division finalist Bryan Anderson. Other prizes and gifts toward the festival—including the high school division second prize of $1000 and the young professional division second prize of $1500—came from Austin Organs, Inc., Marilyn Austin & the Austin family, and several individuals in the First Church family. We also thank Dr. Paul Bender for his gift to this festival.
Special thanks go to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who was on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer assistance, should the organ need it, as well as his gracious gift of tuning and maintenance for this festival. Austin Organ Service Company is the regular curator of this instrument, serviced by Alex Belair and Michael Tanguay.
Our thanks to William Dean, music committee chair; Andrea Volpe, ASOF chair; and Linda Henderson, assistant, for so ably performing the organizational work that made the festival run smoothly and efficiently.
Churches that allowed their instruments to be used for additional practice include Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, Bruce Henley, organist-choirmaster; St. John’s Episcopal Church, West Hartford, Ralph Valentine, organist-choirmaster; St. James’ Episcopal Church, also in West Hartford, Jason Roberts, organist-choirmaster; First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, Angela Salcedo, director of music ministries; Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford, Ezequiel Menéndez, music director; and Bethany Covenant Church, Berlin, Olga Ljungholm, minister of music.
The 2009 first-place winners, Bryan Anderson and Adam Pajan, will perform in recital on Sunday, June 13, 2010, at 7 pm at the First Church of Christ, Wethersfield, Connecticut.
The 2010 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival will have the following judges for the competition: Joyce Jones, Charles Callahan, and Frederick Hohman. Plans are underway to feature these organists in the opening concert of the festival on Friday evening, September 10, at 7:30 pm. The ASOF committee is hoping to invite six qualified young organists to compete in the two divisions on Saturday, September 11. Information about the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival and current requirements for the competition are available by telephone at 860/529-1575 ext. 209, by e-mail at [email protected], or by viewing the ASOF website: www.firstchurch.org/ASOF.